Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 overview

A long-reaching telephoto zoom characterized by a sophisticated optical design and advanced image stabilization technologies, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is part of the esteemed L-series developed for full-frame EOS DSLRs. One fluorite element and one Super UD element have been incorporated into the lens' construction, and both help to reduce aberrations and distortions throughout the zoom range in order to deliver notable clarity, image sharpness, and faithful color reproduction. An Air Sphere Coating has also been applied to lens elements in order to reduce lens flare and ghosting for more contrast-rich imagery. Benefitting the optical components of the lens, a four-stop effective Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake and can be dedicated to different styles of shooting. Furthermore, a redeveloped rotation-type zoom ring pairs with an internal focusing mechanism, and an Ultrasonic Motor, to deliver quick and intuitive handling to benefit handheld shooting. Positioned as a versatile option for sports and wildlife photographers, this lens' list of attributes make it a viable telephoto zoom for a variety of shooting applications.

Housed within a weather-resistant barrel, this lens also features fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements for protection against fingerprints and smudges from affecting image quality. Zoom control is complemented by a dedicated tension ring for adjusting zoom torque. Additionally, other refined design elements include a tripod collar that can be attached or detached with the lens mounted to the camera and an included lens hood that permits easy control over specialty filters with the hood in place.

Telephoto zoom 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens is compatible with full-frame EOS DSLRs, as well as APS-C sized sensors where it will provide a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 160-640mm.

One fluorite element and one Super UD (Ultra Low Dispersion) element help to correct chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range for a high degree of sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy.

An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) has been applied to lens elements to reduce backlit flaring and ghosting for maintained light transmission and high contrast in strong lighting conditions.

An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds. Additionally, three dedicated image stabilization modes are available-Standard, Panning, and During Exposure Only-and can be selectively employed to suit a variety of types of shooting.

An Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with an internal focusing system, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF algorithms, are employed to deliver fast, precise, and near-silent autofocus performance.

A weather-resistant design protects the lens from dust and moisture to enable its use in inclement conditions. Additionally, fluorine coatings have also been applied to the front and rear lens elements for further protection against fingerprints and smudging.

Nine rounded diaphragm blades contribute to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

A redeveloped tripod collar can be attached or detached from the lens without having to remove the lens from the camera.

The included ET-83D lens hood incorporates a side window for easier adjustment of rotating filters with the hood in place.

Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 reviews

EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is rated
4.8 out of
5 by
500.

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Don't give upNature photographer. At first seemed to work fine. Began to shoot all out with distance and started to see much ghosting. Sent it back to canon. Everything checked out. Suggested a more quality uv filter. Shot without filter, same problem. Sent back again with camera. Facility was irvine, ca. They suggested sending it to New York corporate. After full review they told me there was an issue with the glass and sent me a brand new lens. Nothing but happy with lens now. Tack sharp is what I expect now and get it enough for me to be totally satisfied. Great bokeh and colors are always rendered to pop. Good experience with warranty facilities.

Date published: 2012-05-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Bill the baseball dad from
Great lens - I get the L series thing now...I've been shooting baseball and swimming as means of keeping my parental mouth shut for a long time (lucky enough to have a kid playing ball in college). I had been using a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX as my primary (no image stabilization) for almost 10 years (a very good lens - imho). However, paired with my 7D this lens made a huge difference - I haven't touched my Sigma 70-200 since. Tack sharp and quick accurate focusing - I guess I get the whole Canon L series thing now. I take a lot of photos and give them all away to parents and the school (no hate from the pros please) - this lens made a huge impact on the quality of my images.

Date published: 2015-08-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Images of Idaho (Art) from
Don't give up on what a telephoto lens best used for.I have had my 100-400 II for two months now and am still learning the lens. L series are always impressive in my experience but this one is rediculas. Landscape, wildlife, sports, portrait even macro it is without competition. I had the earlier version of this lens and used it for wildlife and sports but never would I use it for all of the rest. I can't wait to start lining up the trips to catch the light with this lens. It is an investment into any photographers future it stands out like no other in my experience and now I am working to use it more and more in my profession. I have it on a 7d mk II body and what a combination.

Date published: 2015-04-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
garlec from
My favorite lens of allI carry two 5dMkIII camera bodies on my Cotton carrier and this lens is always chest mounted. I love this lens. It's a great portrait lens and at 400 mm will take portraits from across the square. I wish it was faster than f/4.0 but if it was bigger it would be a pain to tote around and hold. It's fast focusing, doesn't hunt much, and gives very sharp images at wide open. Just remember to use 1/400 sec or faster (I use 1/500 or 1/640) to avoid blur. I almost never use tripod. I even got great shots of Musk ox from a rubber zodiak in Greenland. Has two focal distance settings--remember to use the right one to avoid hunting.

Date published: 2014-01-10

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Tim from
Outstanding for handheld even at 400mmWell, I'm an amateur not a pro but this lens is outstanding. I started to buy the older model while they were still in stock but knew I could really use the improved IS of this model as I'd mostly be shooting handheld. I had a chance to play around with it this weekend and was really impressed with the IS and the picture sharpness and color. I use it with a 60d. The lens is more compact than I expected and the weight really isn't that bad. Not cheap but seems like it would last till I'm an old man. Comes with a very well designed case as well. I will try to attach a couple of backyard bird shots from this weekend. All shots were at 400mm handheld with a crop to boot.

Date published: 2015-03-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
alanh073 from
Great L Glass Lens for Birding,AirshowsI have this lens on my new Canon EOS 7D,I had it on my 50D previously.I can't imagine not having this lens on my camera in my bag.I like the 2 IS modes.I mainly use it for Bird and Wildlife photography as well as Airshows.I used it yesterday to photograph an Oil Covered Pelican(06 June 2010)on our Mississippi Gulf Coast and it was published in the paper.It is rugged,sharp,has a quick auto focus.I don't understand why some people put rugged and then heavy.If it is built rugged.It is probably gonna be on the heavy side.I would definitely suggest this to a friend.A+ Canon.The only thing I wish they would do differently is build it like the 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM lens if it is possible.

Date published: 2010-06-07

Rated 5 out of
5 by
rawker25 from
A must have!I purchased this lens for a trip to the Galapagos Islands & Macchu Pichu but unfortunately didn't use it because I was so close to everything! Since then I have used it with my Canon EOS 40D primarily for sporting events (including the Giants 2010 World Series parade), wildlife/nature and candid "people shots". While I'm not a professional photographer, the clarity and quality of my pictures have been gallery caliber and the envy of all who have seen them. Even though it's weighty and pricey, it's ease of use and picture quality makes it the best investment I've ever made and I highly recommend w/o reservations!

Date published: 2010-11-07

Rated 5 out of
5 by
JB from
Updaged from the Mki - Super impressed.I am primarily a sports photographer, but also do a lot of birds (BIF), Portrait and Landscape, but mainly fast tele action. My previously owned lens was 100-400L IS f5.6 (mki). This lens is more than an upgrade, focus is faster and way more accurate. IS is definitely noticable better, getting tack sharp with 1/200 @ 400mm. comparing images betwee nthe two models is like shooting one day at ISO 1600 and then the next at ISO 100. Image qty is supurb. Deifintely worth the upgrade. In comparison to the Mki there is no cons. Some new comers to the 100-400 family may find it heavy, but it is an amazing lens.